‘How insecure is that?’: This Detroit woman living with MS lost her apartment in a fire largely due to a code violation. Here’s what went wrong and how to prevent a denied insurance claim

Code violations limited firefighter access

Owens could hear sirens for several minutes because of a locked gate at the back of the apartment complex, Marketplace Court Apartments.

The gate restricted firefighters' access to the unit, forcing them to drive a block away to access a hydrant, reported CBS News.

"How insecure is that?" Owens asked during an interview with CBS reporters. "When an emergency occurs, they can't get in quick."

Even a few minutes of delay can allow a fire to spread, worsen the damage and even risk lives. According to Ready.gov, a fire can become life-threatening in just two minutes — quicker than it took firefighters to reach Owen's apartment.

CBS reported that the locked gate was a fire code violation. The Detroit Fire Department cited Marketplace Court Apartments for the misstep, though reporters were unable to reach the building's management for comment.

For now, Owens is trying to pick up the pieces and rebuild her life — including re-purchasing expensive medical equipment.

"I was a nurse for 20 years and had to retire when I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis," Owens said. "I was comfortable in that apartment because it was accessible."

She is living with her son and grandson in the interim, but it's not ideal. She lost many of her mobility aids in the fire, and her son's place is difficult for her to navigate.

"My home isn't accessible like hers was," said her son, Kristopher Owens. "It's a struggle to get around corners, the bathroom isn't large enough and we don't have any sort of ramp to help her get in and out of the home."

Owens does have renters insurance, but they're not sure when the money will be available or how long it will take to find another accessible apartment. Her son has set up a GoFundMe for financial aid in the meantime.

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Safety violations could impact insurance payouts

When a property has code violations, it's not just a matter of inconvenience — it can also create complications when it comes to insurance payout and rates.

If a landlord refuses to comply with fire safety regulations, it could be considered negligence, which might impact claim approval. In some cases, an insurance provider may deny claims or reduce payouts if they determine the code violation contributed to the damage, according to Omar Ochoa Law Firm.

If your building has multiple code violations, insurers may increase your rates or refuse coverage altogether due to the increased risk.

For example, if a fire spreads due to a blocked or inaccessible hydrant — as was the case in Owens’ apartment complex — an insurer might argue that the fire could have been contained earlier if proper fire safety measures were in place.

Fortunately, a renters insurance policy should still protect the belongings of the tenant. But a negligent landlord can still create delays and financial uncertainty for displaced tenants who are relying on their insurance payout to recover.

While renters can't control whether their landlord follows safety regulations, there are steps you can take to protect yourself:

• Report anything you suspect is a code violation to the property manager or fire department if needed, including blocked doors, broken smoke alarms or locked gates.
• Ensure your policy covers potential risks, such as fire damage, temporary housing and the replacement of expensive medical equipment.
• Consider increasing your coverage limit or adding riders for mobility equipment, required medical equipment or other items you need for daily life.
• Know your rights. If your insurance company denies your claim due to landlord negligence, consider getting legal assistance or hiring an independent insurance adjuster.

For Owens and her family, the impact of this fire goes beyond just losing a home — it highlights how crucial it is for rental properties to meet safety standards. Without proper enforcement, renters are at risk of both physical danger and financial hardship.